Best 4WD beaches in NSW: Where you can drive on the sand

Driving along the beach with the ocean on one side and sand stretching out ahead is one of the great Australian road trip experiences — and New South Wales still has plenty of places where you can do it responsibly.

From iconic dune systems to quieter national park coastlines, this guide covers the best 4WD beaches in NSW, along with practical tips to help you plan a safe and enjoyable beach-driving trip.

Best 4WD beaches in NSW

New South Wales has so many fantastic, pristine beaches to explore, with some even better 4WD beaches to truly test your grit and determination.

North Coast NSW

Airforce Beach - Evans Head

Airforce Beach is a well-known 4WD-access beach located just south of Evans Head within Bundjalung National Park. It’s popular with locals and visitors thanks to its long shoreline and laid-back feel.

What to expect

• Wide, open beach driving
• Generally, firm sand at low tide
• Coastal views backed by dunes and heath
• Popular fishing spots

Good to know

• Vehicle access permits are required
• Driving conditions vary with tides and weather
• Stick to marked access points and avoid dune vegetation

Where to stay

Reflections Evans Head is right on the beach and has everything from premium extra-large beach houses and cabins to campsites.

Ten Mile Beach, Bundjalung National Park

Ten Mile Beach, Bundjalung National Park, is one of the best places in NSW to combine beach 4WDing with forest tracks and camping.

What to expect

• Long, undeveloped stretches of coastline
• Generally, firm sand in dry conditions
• Easy access to inland lakes and forest trails

Good to know

• Park entry fees apply
• Tides and weather have a big impact on conditions

Where to stay

Reflections Evans Head is just north of the National Park and a great spot to set up camp.

Seven Mile Beach, Lennox Head

Seven Mile Beach at Lennox Head offers permitted 4WD access on a designated section of the beach, making it a popular option for locals and visitors looking for a relaxed beach drive on the NSW Far North Coast.

What to expect

• Beach driving on the northern section of Seven Mile Beach
• Generally, firm sand near the waterline in dry conditions
• A quieter, less commercial feel than some larger beach-driving destinations
• Good fishing spots along the accessible stretch

Good to know

• A valid Ballina Shire Council beach driving permit is required
• 4WD access is via the designated entry off Camp Drewe Road
• Vehicles are not permitted on the southern section of the beach
• Best driven at low tide and in calm weather

Where to stay

Reflections Lennox Head, with its ideal location and wide range of accommodation and camping options to suit all budgets, can't be beaten as a 4wd location.

Looking for 4wd near Byron Bay - check out the recommended 4wd locations near Byron Bay here

Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest

Bennetts Beach is a popular and easy-access beach for 4WDing at Hawks Nest, offering a long stretch of coastline backed by dunes and coastal bushland. It’s especially popular with travellers staying nearby who want a relaxed beach drive without heading too far off the beaten track.

What to expect

• Long, straight beach driving
• Generally, firm sand in dry conditions
• Great fishing spots and open coastal views
• Easy access from Hawks Nest township

Good to know

• Vehicle access is seasonal,l and conditions apply
• Best driven at low tide
• Check local signage and council updates before driving

Where to stay

Reflections Hawks Nest, with its year-round heated pool, is the ultimate spot to rest your head. Stay in a glamping tent, premium cabin or choose a double slab site.

Port Stephens / Hunter Region

Stockton Beach

One of the most famous beach 4WD destinations in NSW, Stockton Beach stretches for more than 30 kilometres and is known for its towering sand dunes.

What to expect

• Long beach runs and soft sand sections
• Access to the Worimi Conservation Lands
• A mix of beginner-friendly areas and more technical dune driving

Good to know

• Beach vehicle permit required
• Best driven at low tide
• Very popular on weekends and during school holidays

Birubi Beach

Located at the southern end of Stockton Beach, Birubi Beach is a popular entry point for beach 4WDing in the Port Stephens region.

What to expect

• Shorter beach drives
• Easy access points
• Sweeping coastal views

Good to know

• Permit required
• Conditions can change quickly with wind and tides

South Coast beach 4wd

Terrace Beach and Lennards Island (Beowa National Park, Eden / Far South Coast)

Terrace Beach and Lennards Island sit within Beowa National Park (formerly Ben Boyd), just north of Eden, and together offer some of the Far South Coast’s most scenic and relaxed beach 4WDing. The area combines rugged headlands with calmer stretches of sand, making it a great option for travellers looking to explore at a slower pace.

What to expect

• Short to medium-length beach driving
• Generally, firmer sand is closer to the waterline in dry conditions
• Scenic coastal views across Twofold Bay
• A quieter, more natural feel compared to busier NSW beaches
• Popular spots for fishing and beach walks

Good to know

• Vehicle access permits apply
• Best driven at low tide
• Conditions can change after rough weather
• Drive cautiously around other beach users and follow local signage

Where to stay

Reflections Eden is the ultimate spot for tranquillity, located right on the river.

Why NSW is great for beach 4WD-ing

With thousands of kilometres of coastline, NSW offers a wide mix of beach-driving experiences, including:

• Long, open beaches ideal for relaxed cruising
• National parks with managed 4WD access
• Easy access from coastal towns and holiday bases

With the right preparation and a bit of respect for conditions, beach 4WDing can be one of the most scenic ways to explore the coast.

Beginner-friendly beach 4WDing in NSW

If you’re new to beach driving, start with beaches known for firmer sand and easier access, such as:

• Stockton Beach (in good conditions)
• Seven Mile Beach National Park
• Bundjalung National Park and Airforce Beach

Lower tyre pressures, drive at low tide and avoid soft sand near dunes.

Beach driving rules and safety tips

• Check tide times before heading out
• Reduce tyre pressure for sand driving
• Avoid driving near dunes and vegetation
• Be mindful of pedestrians, anglers and wildlife

Responsible beach driving helps protect fragile coastal environments and keeps access open.

Planning a beach 4WD holiday in NSW

Beach 4WD trips work best when paired with a coastal base, giving you time to explore nearby beaches, national parks and local towns without rushing. Many beach-driving locations are within easy reach of Reflections Holiday Parks, making it simple to stay nearby while you explore at your own pace.

Prefer forest trails or inland adventures?

See our guide to the best 4WD tracks and trails in NSW.